HKSM
Tailoring
Choosing and adapting the mix of processes, inputs, tools, techniques, outputs, and life cycle stages so they fit the needs of a specific project.
Key Points
- Driven by project context: size, complexity, risk, industry, regulations, and stakeholder needs.
- Done early and revisited as the project evolves to keep the approach aligned with reality.
- Streamlines work without ignoring mandatory governance, quality, or compliance requirements.
- Decisions are documented in the project management plan, including what was adapted and why.
Example
A PM leading a medical device software project keeps rigorous change control and verification gates for compliance, adopts iterative development for software components, adds extra risk reviews, and drops nonessential templates. This customized mix of processes and life cycle stages is tailoring.
PMP Example Question
Which action best illustrates tailoring on a project?
- Applying every process from the standard to ensure nothing is missed.
- Modifying the life cycle and selected tools to match project complexity and regulatory needs.
- Adding extra features to exceed customer expectations without approval.
- Compressing the schedule using fast tracking and crashing techniques.
Correct Answer: B — Customizing the methodology to fit the project
Explanation: Tailoring is selecting and adapting processes, tools, techniques, outputs, and life cycle stages to suit the specific project context. The other options describe over-application, gold plating, or schedule compression.
